QAIHC Members have deepened their understanding of the aged care space and how it could enhance their health care offerings at the first QAIHC Aged Care Workshop at Rydges South Bank on 20 February.
Triggered by a commitment set down at the QAIHC State Members’ Conference in December, the workshop was held to explore the history, challenges and opportunities for ACCHOs looking to explore new opportunities in the aged care space.
Member representatives made their way from Far North Queensland, the Northern Peninsula and the Torres Strait to take part in discussions on implementing aged care services in a post-royal commission world.
Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement’s Nathan Gaulton was an engaging facilitator, keeping the topics moving while also eliciting more information when needed.
Attendees were taken through all facets of the Australian aged care sector and how it intersects with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, patients, families, communities and ACCHOs.
South West AMS CEO Lesley Nelson travelled from Western Australia to discuss the practical considerations for other ACCHOs to make a transition into aged care.
QAIHC Acting CEO Paula Arnol said the workshop was a great way to connect with QAIHC’s Members and to help the ACCHO sector branch out past primary health.
“It’s all about making sure our Elders can live long, happy and healthy lives in a way that suits them culturally, socially and spiritually,” Ms Arnol said.
“Mainstream aged care is rarely culturally safe and respectful, so if our Members can contribute to ensuring our Elders get the best possible care, then that is something we should do.
“As we’ve seen from our health equity research, a big reason people don’t get care is the lack of cultural safety.
“Our Members are community controlled entities with the experience and local/cultural knowledge needed to provide effective aged care solutions where they’re needed most.
“So, it makes sense we would be exploring options for ACCHOs to enter the aged care space, and it makes sense for us to help out as the peak.”
